An April 15 deadline has come and gone, and no one will be taking over Rapid River Boutique in Freeport for a mere $100. There weren’t enough entries in an essay contest boutique owner Colette Wold needed to make the venture worthwhile, so Wold will keep trying to sell the contemporary women’s fashion shop more traditionally on the open market.

Wold, who has owned the boutique at 185 Lower Main St. for 20 years, announced in early February that she would turn over her business to whoever wrote the best essay as to why the entrant would like to own it. She was hoping for 800-1,000 entries. Wold declined to say last week how many entries she received. She returned $80 of the $100 fee to the contestants, retaining $20 to cover promotional expenses.

While the essay contest didn’t pan out, Wold did see some positives from running it.

“The contest generated some potential buyers,” she said. “It just takes the right person.”

Wold estimates her inventory to be worth between $50,000 and $80,000.

Rapid River Boutique carries upscale cashmere, denim, dresses, sweaters, sportswear, accessories and footwear.

Wold had asked for two pages or less describing the essayist’s interest in owning the boutique, and the qualities that would make the person a successful candidate. She had planned to be among a panel of five judges who would review the essays.

She opened Rapid River Boutique on School Street 10 years ago, then moved it to Lower Main Street.

Colette Wold remains the owner of Rapid River Boutique, a women’s fashion shop at 185 Lower Main St. in Freeport.Staff photo by Larry Grard